A SITE for possible new allotments in Weylands, Frome, was turned down by Mendip District Council last week.
Frome Town Council had wanted to lift a covenant on the green area to allow the allotments plan. This was met with objections from local residents, but support from promoters of allotments.
Residents feared that the proposed site would worsen existing traffic issues. However, with nearly 100 people on the waiting list for allotments in Frome, the Frome Allotment Association said the allotments would help people grow their own food and help boost community spirit.
The town council ran a consultation to gauge local people’s opinions.
Before the decision was made, Judy Hosegood from the Frome Allotment Association said, “If it goes ahead, they will be carefully sighted so there will still be plenty of space for the current activities to continue, such as children playing, dog walking and general use of the open space.
“Access by car will be tried to be kept to a minimum and we welcome use by local people. “It is also planned that some of them will be more accessible to people who have mobility and health problems as at present there is nowhere for them to enjoy access to an allotment.”
District councillors Derek Tanswell and Sharon Snook thanked local people who wrote letters and supported a petition to object to the plans.
